Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, January 26, 2011

bob hertzberg, part of the Insight Online chat series on the California Budget

bob hertzberg, part of the Insight Online chat series on the California Budget

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Jan. 26 chat: Your role in moving California ahead

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Californians are speaking decisively about the fiscal and governance crisis gripping our state, and their message is clear: Fix this mess and fix it now. In a recent survey commissioned by California Forward, 78 percent of Californians say government dysfunction and the budget mess are serious, and 80 percent say these problems directly affect them and their families.

The vast majority of Californians - 86 percent - also believe we can fix the problem. Californians imagine, innovate and build. It's what we do. Of course we can figure this out.

So where would most Californians start? It's simple: They want our leaders to do what it takes to make programs work, they expect value for money, they want accountability, and they want the truth. "A truly informed public would help," said one survey respondent. "Explain that you can't have lower taxes and still expect schools to have teachers and get police. Educate people on which programs work and which are just political maneuvering."

For a real solution to take root, Californians need to be on board. This means engaging now in informed, constructive discussion about exciting new approaches to governance, as well as painful trade-offs needed to get the state back on track. California Forward's top priority is to ensure that Californians have ways to be part of this discussion.

With regard to the budget, Californians want to know that lawmakers will get the state's fiscal house in order - and keep it that way. This will require the following common-sense, nonpartisan reforms:

-- Budgets based on performance and results to ensure quality service and restore taxpayers' confidence;

-- Clearly identified funding for new programs and tax breaks before they are enacted;

-- Limits on "one-time revenue" so it goes toward "one-time" purposes only, such as saving for hard times or paying down debt.

Next, as the governor has proposed, California needs to return responsibility for essential services like education and public safety to local communities. We need to do this in a way that ensures local programs work well for the Californians they serve, local governments have the flexibility to work together, and local leaders are held accountable for results.

There's more we need to do, but these reforms alone have the power to dramatically transform how California is governed, and we could have the opportunity to enact them this year.

Putting in place this new democracy is the challenge of our lifetimes. This is a Kennedy moment, and Californians are accepting the challenge. The Nicolas Berggruen Institute's Think Long Committee has joined this call to action and is distilling the wisdom of internationally acclaimed Californians who can inform the debate. California Forward is working with Californians from Eureka to Calexico to identify the right solutions and organize a voice for reform.

What do you want this state to be? The mind and muscle of every Californian will be needed to do this right - so if you can make some time, let's talk ...

Chat with Bob Hertzberg

The former Assembly speaker will chat today on how you can help fix California.

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